There Is A Way Out

1 Corinthians 10:13

New International Version

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

For meditation

You find yourself alone in an empty office. Among the scattered papers on the floor, a package stands out. The moving truck left hours ago. The package lies accidentally open, showing a stack of green dollar bills with Benjamin Franklin’s face. You think about your child’s upcoming school fees and the gift you’ve wanted to give your wife. You happened to come here, and no one saw you. Now, the money is right there. Do you take it or report it? Would anyone ever know? Could this be God answering your prayers?

We face situations like that all the time. Honestly, we often give in to our desires and focus on what we need in that instance. Many thoughts race through our minds at those moments. Thinking about God’s holiness is often the farthest from our guilty thoughts. We convince ourselves it’s okay and that God understands. We find reassurance in thinking He doesn’t even mind our struggles and weaknesses, so why not?

But we’re not alone in facing such dilemmas. The Bible gives us examples of faithful people who faced temptation to warn and encourage us. What makes us different is how we choose to respond.

It’s comforting to remember that God is always faithful. His love is so unfailing that He never leaves us when we’re tempted. Instead, He always gives us a way out when things get tough (1 Cor. 10:13). The genuine dilemma is whether we choose to take that way out.

Our needs should never determine what we do when we’re tempted. Instead, we should focus on honoring God, who is holy and wants us to be holy too. The best way to worship Him is to give ourselves to Him, live for Him, and be readily obedient to His ways (Rom. 12:1-2).

Let’s never forget that we always have a choice when we face temptation. God never puts us in a situation with no way out. He always gives us the strength to endure and a way to escape. We can choose to act as Joseph did (Gen. 39:9) or David did (2 Sam. 11:4).

No matter how juicy the temptation, there is a way out. No matter how complex the situation, how dark the valley, or how subtle and crafty the enemy, never forget: there is a way out.

So, let’s strive to keep God’s holiness in mind at all times and decide not to offend Him, no matter what. May God’s grace support us as we pray before and during times of temptation.

Pray with Me

I thank you, Lord Jesus, that you endured all temptations but did not sin. In your strength and victory, Lord, lead me against all temptation and give me the victory for the Father’s glory. Amen.

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